COURSE
SYLLABUS
University of Florida
Department of Anthropology
ANG 2410 - Cultural Anthropology
Spring / 2015
Instructor:
Deborah Andrews, M.A., J.D.
Office Location:
Turlington B346
Emails:
djandrews@ufl.edu
tmesh@ufl.edu
ilianagv@ufl.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesdays 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Thursdays 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Class Meeting Times:
Tuesdays 3:00 to 4:55 pm
Thursdays 3:00 to 3:50 pm
Classroom:
Turlington L007
Teaching Assistants:
Timoteo Mesh – Discussion Section Periods 4, 5 and 9
Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:00 to 3:00 pm, Fridays 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Iliana Villegas - Discussion Section Periods 3, 6 and 7
Office Hours: Tuesdays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
1
Course Description
Cultural anthropology is the study of humanity around the world, including diversity, universals
and change. This course addresses the nature and integration of culture. It includes the content of
cultures; languages, subsistence, economic structures, art and religion in human societies. As a
diversity course, this course provides instruction in the values, attitudes and norms that create
cultural differences within the United States. This course encourages students to recognize how
social roles and status affect different groups in the United States. Students are expected to
analyze and evaluate their own cultural norms and values in relation to those of other cultures
and to distinguish opportunities and constraints faced by other persons and groups.
Course Learning Objectives
The concepts in this course will include theory, historical and traditional perspectives, and
contemporary and divergent perspectives related to issues relevant today. A goal is to learn to
analyze and evaluate different cultural perspectives in order to understand human diversity.
Upon successful completion of this course, each student will:
- Understand the holistic nature of the study of humans through anthropology.
- Understand the broad concepts of cultural anthropology.
- Understand how the anthropological perspective is useful in a wide range of other disciplines.
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of human culture.
- Understand the interconnectedness of our world and how it is being transformed through
globalization, development, and migration.
Required Texts / Readings
Schultz, Emily and Robert H. Lavenda. 2013. Cultural Anthropology. 9th Edition.
ISBN: 9780199350841
Other Readings
American Anthropological Association,
“Race: Are We So Different?” (http://www.understandingrace.org/home.html )
Bernard, H. Russell
2011 Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.
Lanhan, MD: Altamira Press.
Collier, Stephen J, and Aihwa Ong
2007 Global Assemblages, Anthropological Problems. In Global Assemblages. Aihwa Ong and
Stephen J Collier, eds. Pp. 1-21. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Cronk, Lee
2012 Reciprocity and the Power of Giving. In Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural
Anthropology. Boston: Pearson.
Farmer, Paul
1999 Infections and Inequalities: The Modern Plagues. Berkeley: University of California
Press.
Farmer, Paul, Jim Yong Kim, Arthur Kleinman and Matthew Basilico
2013 Reimagining Global Health: An Introduction. Berkeley: University of California Press.
2
Fish, Jefferson M.
2012 Mixed Blood. In Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology. Boston:
Pearson.
Hanna, Bridget and Arthur Kleinman
2013 Unpacking Global Health: Theory and Critique. In Reimagining Global Health: An
Introduction. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Lee, Richard Borshay
2012a Eating Christmas in the Kalahari. In Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural
Anthropology. Boston: Pearson.
2012b The Hunters: Scarce Resources in the Kalahari. In Conformity and Conflict: Readings in
Cultural Anthropology. Boston: Pearson.
Lock, Margaret and Vinh-Kim Nguyen
2010 The Normal Body. In The Anthropology of Biomedicine. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.
Miner, Horace
1956 Body Ritual Among the Nacirema. American Anthropologist 58(3):503-507.
Oliver-Smith, Anthony
2013 Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: the View From Applied
Anthropology. Human Organization 72(4):275-282.
Tsing, Anna
2000 The Global Situation. Cultural Anthropology 15(3):327-360.
United Nations
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
Weatherford, Jack
2012 The Founding Indian Fathers. In Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural
Anthropology. Boston: Pearson.
Readings will be posted on e-learning.
Course Requirements:
Three Exams
Discussion section
Pop Quizzes
Academic Research Paper
Draft final paper
Peer Review
Final paper
TOTAL
225 points (75 points each) (45% total)
50 points
(10%)
25 points
(5%)
50 points
(10%)
40 points
(8%)
25 points
(5%)
85 points
(17%)
500 points
(100%)
Exams (225 points total):
There will be three exams in this course. Each exam is 75 points. These exams will be based on the class
lectures, textbook and additional readings. The exams will be non-cumulative.
Discussion Section (50 points)
You are required to attend your assigned discussion section. Attendance will be taken. You are required
to participate during discussion section. Your grade for this component of the course will be derived
from your attendance and the quality of your participation. Points will be deducted for unauthorized use
of laptops and cell phones in the class, unexcused absences and lateness. You must attend discussion
sections even if an exam is scheduled for the same day. Only university-approved absences with
appropriate documentation will be excused. You will be counted absent from discussion section if you
arrive more than 10 minutes late.
3
Pop Quizzes (25 points):
We will have unannounced pop-quizzes throughout the semester to assess students’ comprehension of
class materials and discussions. These quizzes will also serve as proof of attendance. Students will not
be allowed to make-up missed quizzes or exams without a doctor’s note and must notify the instructor
before the missed class.
Research Project (200 points Total):
You will work on a research project that applies the concepts covered in the class. The first part of this
project consists of an academic research paper about a topic related to cultural anthropology. You will
choose from one of the options below and you will develop a research question as the focus of your
project. The second part of this project consists of you interviewing three different people about your
research topic.
Option 1: Interview three people who learned English as a second language. You will also
research the first language of the people you interview. The people you interview must speak different
languages. You will interview you research participants at least once, asking about information related
to the learning of English as a second language. You will select a specific topic related to language.
Option 2: Interview three people from different religions on their opinions on religion in today’s
culture. You will also research the history or concepts of the three different religions. You will select a
specific topic related to religion.
Option 3: Interview three different people of different racial compositions or ethnicities about
their opinions on the topic of race or ethnicity in today’s culture. You will also research the history or
concepts applicable to the different races or ethnicities. You will select a specific topic related to race or
ethnicity.
Option 4: Interview three people of different genders and ages on their opinions on gender in
today’s culture. You will also research the history and concepts related to gender. You will select a
specific topic related to gender.
Your interview questions will focus on the topic you choose from this course.
Academic Research Paper (50 points)
Based on the selection from the topics listed above, you will conduct academic research focusing on one
or more topics covered in this class. You must use a minimum of three peer-reviewed journal articles.
You may also use additional sources. You will write a preliminary paper that introduces your subject
and discusses the academic literature on your topic. There must be at least one paragraph describing
each academic article: failure to use at least three academic journal articles will result in a mandatory
point deduction. There must be an introduction and conclusion paragraph, as well as a bibliography.
Draft Paper (25 points)
You will write a draft paper that includes a description of all of your interviews and research. This paper
must include your academic research, a description of how you selected your participants, a discussion
of the interviews, comparison of the interviews, a conclusion, and a bibliography. This must be a
coherent submission with good grammar. It will not be the final paper, but will contain enough
information so that you can obtain feedback for final revisions. You will also attach the interview
worksheets as an appendix to the draft as part of the assignment.
Peer Review (25 points)
Your draft paper will be exchanged with other students. Each student will evaluate the draft paper and
provide written feedback to the student to help them improve their final paper.
4
Final Paper (85 points):
You will write a final paper that is 6 to 8 pages long, double spaced, with one inch margins. This final
paper will describe your research question, describe your academic research on the topic, describe your
interviews, and contain a discussion section and conclusion. Your discussion section will synthesize the
three articles with your research topic. Your conclusion must include thoughts on future research.
NOTE: ALL PAPERS MUST BE UPLOADED TO E-LEARNING. HARD COPIES MUST BE
TURNED IN BY THE TIME OF THE CLASS LECTURE. PAPERS MAY BE TURNED IN
DURING DISCUSSION SECTION IN ADVANCE OF THE DEADLINE.
Class participation: Students are expected to come to class having read carefully the reading
assignments for that session. They should be prepared to contribute to class discussions by raising
questions and comments related to the topic for that class. There will be pop quizzes, so class attendance
is necessary. Discussion section attendance and participation is also necessary to achieve all points.
Attendance and Make-up Policies:
Attendance is not taken in lecture, but is highly encouraged. Students not in attendance cannot make-up pop
quizzes, view videos, or take exams. The only exception to this rule is if you discuss alternate plans with the
instructor prior to the absence or produce proper documentation afterwards (i.e., doctor’s note). Other than
this stated exception, this policy is non-negotiable.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit opportunities will be announced during the semester. In addition to the class requirements
and extra credit assignments, a total of 2 extra credit points are available for creativity for any project
and class participation.
Continuity of Instruction:
In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency such as hurricane,
pandemic or other unforeseen event or combination of events, the format of this course may be modified
in order to enable completion of the course requirements. In that event, you will be provided an
addendum to this syllabus that will supersede this version. It is your responsibility as a student
participant to be proactive during any emergency to find instructions that I will post on e-learning.
Grading Standards
GRADING SCALE
Letter grades are assigned based on the total percent of points according to the following scale:
A = 91 or above
A- = 90 – 90.9
B+ = 87-89.9
B = 81-86.9
B- = 80-80.9
C+ = 77-79.9
C = 71-76.9
C- = 70-70.9
D+ = 67-69.9
D = 60-66.9
D- = 59-59.9
E = 58.9 or below
5
A grade of C− is not a qualifying grade for major, minor, Gen Ed, or College Basic distribution
credit.
Additional information on UF grading policy can be found at:
https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx
Policy on late work and/or missed exams
Missed exams and quizzes may be taken late only in the event of documented, approved excuses.
Documented illness or injury, with a written medical note, are approved excuses. The documented death
of a close family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, child, aunt, uncle or cousin) is excused so long as
the dates coincide. Mandatory University of Florida events are also excused with advance notice and
approval.
Late assignments are strongly discouraged. Work turned in within the first 24 hours after the deadline
receive an automatic 10% deduction. Each day thereafter is an additional 10% deduction. This late policy
applies with the exception of the draft paper and peer review worksheets, which will not be accepted if
they are late, and will result in full point loss.
Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work are
consistent with university policies that can be found at:
https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx
University of Florida Policies
Honesty:
As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has
signed the following statement: "I understand that the University of Florida expects its students
to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic
honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in
disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University."
Claiming One’s Own Work
Each student is honor-bound to submit under his or her name or signature only his or her own work; to
fully acknowledge his or her use of any information, ideas, or other matter belonging to someone else,
and to properly document the source in question; and to offer for credit only that work which he or she
has completed in relation to the current course.
Violations of Academic Integrity
There are several types of violations; these include but are not limited to: cheating; fabricating and
falsifying information or citations; submitting the same work for credit in more than one course;
plagiarizing; providing another student with access to one’s own work to submit under this person’s name
or signature; destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resource material; and
helping or attempting to help another person commit an act of academic dishonesty.
Please review the University policy on academic integrity.
6
Classroom Behavior Rules
Harassment and Discrimination
“Harassment” is defined as conduct that (1) is of any type (written, oral, graphic, or physical) (2)
is directed towards or against a person because of their personal status (i.e. race, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, political affiliation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy
or others) and that (3) unreasonably interferes with the individual’s work, education, or
participation in activities or programs at UF or creates a working or learning environment that a
reasonable person would find threatening. “Discrimination” is defined as a conduct that (1)
adversely affects any aspect of an individual’s employment, education, or participation in
activities or programs at UF, and (2) is based on one or more personal characteristics listed
above. Any student who feels their rights have been violated are asked to confront the offending
party, should that not resolve the issue, or the student is uncomfortable with confronting the
offending party they may file a complaint with UF Department of Human Resources.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABILITIES
Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students
Office. The Disability Resource Center will then provide documentation to the student that you
must give to Dr. Young. Students who wish to find out if they are eligible for services can
contact the Disability Resource Center at www.dso.ufl.edu/drc, call 352-392-8565, or stop by
their office at room 0001, Building 0020 (REID HALL).
UF Counseling Services
Resources are available on-campus for students having personal problems or lacking a clear
career and academic goals which interfere with their academic performance. These resources
include:
1. University Counseling Center, 301 Peabody Hall, 392-1575, personal and career counseling;
2. Student Mental Health, Student Health Care Center, 392-1171, personal counseling;
3. Sexual Assault Recovery Services (SARS), Student Health Care Center, 392-1161, sexual
counseling;
4. Career Resource Center, Reitz Union, 392-1601, career development assistance and
counseling;
5. Reading & Writing Center, Broward Hall, 392-0791, writing assistance, study skills, test
preparation.
For further information: http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/Default.aspx
Course evaluations
Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by
completing online evaluations at https://evaluations.ufl.edu. Evaluations are typically open
during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given specific times when
they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available to students at
https://evaluations.ufl.edu/results/.
7
Software Use
All faculty, staff, and students of the University are required and expected to obey the laws and
legal agreements governing software use. Failure to do so can lead to monetary damages and/or
criminal penalties for the individual violator. Because such violations are also against University
policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.
Texting or talking on cell phones during class is not allowed.
Critical Dates
Research Paper Due
Jan. 29
Exam 1
Feb. 5
Draft Paper Due
Feb. 26
Peer Review Due
March 12
Exam 2
March 24
Final Paper Due
April 9
Exam 3
April 21
8
T E N T A T I V E S C H E D U L E SPRING 2 0 1 5
Reading/Assignments
Week
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Dates
01/06/15 –
01/09/15
Topic/Activities
Course orientation
Introduction to Anthropology

01/12/15 –
01/16/15
The Culture Concept and
Anthropological Theory

01/19/15 –
01/23/15
Methods and Ethnography

01/26/15 –
01/30/15
Politics,of
Law
and
Characteristics
Culture
Social
Order
Kinship and social
organization
Medical Anthropology
Reading Assignment: Syllabus
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 1 and 4
Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 2
Miner, “Body Ritual of the
Nacirema”
Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 3
Lee, “Eating Christmas in the
Kalahari”
Religion and
Spirituality
Research Paper Due
Globalization and
Thursday, Jan. 29
Development
02/02/15 – Social Identity and Gender
02/06/15
Applied Anthropology
EXAM 1
Thursday Feb. 5

Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 11 and 12

Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 13
Bernard 2011 Ch. 8
02/09/15 –
02/13/15
Race and Ethnicity
02/16/15 –
02/20/15
Culture and the Environment;
Economic Anthropology

02/23/15 –
02/27/15
Religion, Spirituality and
Worldview


Reading Assignment:
American Anthropological Association,
“Race: Are We So Different?”
Fish, “Mixed Blood”
Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 10
Lee, "The Hunters: Scarce
Resources in the Kalahari"
Cronk, "Reciprocity and the Power
of Giving"
Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 8
Draft Paper Due
Thursday February 26
Week 9
03/02/15 –
03/06/15
No Class
SPRING BREAK
9
Week
10
03/09/15 –
03/13/15
Language and culture
Social networks and
communication
Meaning, Expression, and
Creativity
Peer Review Due March 12

Week
11
03/16/16 –
03/20/15
Politics, Law and Social
Peer Review Due
Order
Thursday March 12

Week
12
03/23/15 –
03/27/15
Exam 2
Tuesday, March 24
Week
13
03/30/15 –
04/03/15
Globalization, Development
and
Migration

Week
14
04/06/15 –
04/10/15
Applied Anthropology
Medical Anthropology

Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 5, 6 and 7
Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 9
UN Universal Declaration of
Human Rights
Weatherford, “The Founding Indian
Fathers”
To be announced
Reading Assignment:
Schultz and Lavenda Ch. 14
Collier and Ong 2007, Global
Assemblages
Reading Assignment:
Oliver-Smith 2013
Tsing 2000
Final Paper Due
Thursday, April 9
Week
15
04/13/15 –
04/17/15
Week
16
04/20/15 –
04/22/15

Medical Anthropology
Reading Assignment:
Farmer 1999
Farmer 2010
Hanna and Kleinman 2013
Lock and Nguyen 2010
No Lecture
Exam 3
Tuesday, April 21
Classes End
This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.
10